First day of Passover

The First Day of Passover in the United Kingdom: A Celebration of Freedom and Tradition

Passover, known in Hebrew as Pesach, stands as one of the most significant and ancient festivals in the Jewish calendar. In the United Kingdom, where the Jewish community has a long and storied history, the first day of Passover is a time of profound spiritual reflection, family gathering, and the meticulous observance of age-old rituals. It marks the beginning of a week-long commemoration of the Exodus, the biblical story of the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. For British Jews, from the bustling communities of North London to the vibrant neighbourhoods of Manchester and beyond, this day represents a bridge between the ancient past and the modern quest for liberty and justice.

The essence of the first day of Passover lies in the concept of "passing over." According to the Book of Exodus, God spared the firstborn sons of the Israelites during the final of the ten plagues visited upon Egypt by "passing over" their homes, which were marked with the blood of a lamb. This divine intervention paved the way for the Israelites to flee their oppressors. Because they left in such haste, they did not have time for their bread to rise, leading to the tradition of eating matzah (unleavened bread). Today, the first day of the holiday is defined by this theme of transition—from bondage to freedom, from winter to spring, and from the mundane to the sacred.

In the UK, the first day is particularly special because it sets the tone for the entire festival. While Passover lasts seven days in Israel, Jewish communities in the Diaspora, including the United Kingdom, traditionally observe eight days. The first day is considered a Yom Tov (a festival day), which carries a status similar to the Sabbath in terms of religious restrictions and sanctity. It is a day where the focus shifts entirely away from the professional world and toward the home and the synagogue, creating a unique atmosphere of domestic warmth and communal solidarity.

When is the First Day of Passover in 2026?

The timing of Passover is determined by the Hebrew calendar, which is lunisolar. This means the date changes every year on the Gregorian calendar used for civil purposes in the UK. In 2026, the first day of Passover falls on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

As of today, there are 89 days remaining until the celebrations begin.

It is crucial to note that in the Jewish tradition, days begin at sundown. Therefore, while the first full day of the holiday is April 2, 2026, the observances actually commence on the evening of Wednesday, April 1. This evening is when the first Seder, the ritual meal, takes place. In London and other major UK cities, families will keep a close eye on the precise time of sunset to light their festival candles and begin the holiday.

The date is variable because the Hebrew calendar must ensure that Passover always falls in the spring (the month of Nisan). To keep the lunar months aligned with the solar seasons, an extra month is occasionally added to the Jewish year. This ensures that the "Festival of Spring" coincides with the blooming of flowers and the warming of the British climate, typically occurring in late March or April.

The History and Origins of Passover

The roots of Passover are found in the Torah, specifically the Book of Exodus. The narrative details the suffering of the Israelites under the Pharaohs and the rise of Moses as a leader chosen by God. The story of the burning bush, the demand to "Let my people go," and the subsequent ten plagues are central to the holiday's identity. The first day of Passover specifically commemorates the moment the physical journey out of Egypt began.

In the context of the United Kingdom, the history of Passover observance has evolved alongside the Jewish community itself. Following the resettlement of Jews in England in 1656 under Oliver Cromwell, Passover became a private but steadfastly maintained tradition. Over the centuries, as the community grew with waves of immigration from Central and Eastern Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the public profile of the holiday shifted.

Today, Passover is a well-recognised event in the British multicultural landscape. It is common for the Prime Minister and other political leaders to issue official Passover greetings to the Jewish community, acknowledging the universal themes of the holiday. The history of the day in the UK is also a history of adaptation; while the core rituals remain unchanged from those practiced thousands of years ago, British Jews have integrated local customs, such as specific recipes for "English-style" gefilte fish or the use of British-grown horseradish for the bitter herbs.

How People Celebrate in the UK

The celebration of the first day of Passover in the UK is primarily home-centred, though it begins with preparations that can take weeks.

The Great Cleanse

In the days leading up to the first day, Jewish households across the UK undergo a rigorous cleaning process known as removing chametz (leaven). This refers to any food product made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that has come into contact with water and been allowed to ferment or rise. In cities like Manchester, Leeds, and London, you will see families scrubbing kitchens, clearing out cupboards, and even vacuuming car interiors to ensure not a single crumb of bread remains. The night before the first day, a ceremonial search for chametz (Bedikat Chametz) is conducted by candlelight.

The Seder Plate and Meal

The defining event of the first day (starting the evening before) is the Seder. This is a highly structured ritual meal where the story of the Exodus is retold using a book called the Haggadah.

A traditional UK Seder table will feature the Seder Plate, containing symbolic foods: Karpas: A green vegetable (often parsley or celery) dipped in salt water to represent the tears of the slaves. Maror: Bitter herbs (usually horseradish) to recall the bitterness of slavery. Charoset: A sweet paste made of fruits and nuts, symbolising the mortar used by the Israelite slaves to build Egyptian structures. Zeroah: A roasted bone, symbolising the paschal sacrifice. Beitzah: A roasted egg, symbolising mourning and the cycle of life.

The meal is interactive, involving songs, debates, and the "Four Questions" traditionally asked by the youngest child in the family. In the UK, Seders often bring together multiple generations, and it is common for families to host guests, including those who may not have a Seder of their own to attend.

Synagogue Services

On the morning of the first day, many British Jews attend synagogue services. These services include special prayers of praise (Hallel) and the reading of the Exodus story from the Torah scroll. In larger communities like Golders Green or Prestwich, the atmosphere is festive, with congregants dressed in their best holiday attire.

Traditions and Customs Unique to the UK

While the religious requirements of Passover are universal, the British Jewish community has its own particular flavours and customs.

Culinary Traditions

The British palate influences the Passover table. While matzah is the universal bread of the holiday, UK supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Marks & Spencer stock extensive "Kosher for Passover" sections. A staple of the British Seder is often a clear chicken soup with kneidlach (matzah balls), followed by brisket or roast chicken. In many Anglo-Jewish homes, there is a specific tradition of making "cinnamon balls" or almond macaroons for dessert, as flour-based cakes are forbidden.

The Second Seder

Because the UK is in the Diaspora (outside Israel), a second Seder is held on the second night of Passover. For many British families, the first night is reserved for immediate family, while the second night (which falls on April 2, 2026 in 2026) is often a larger affair involving extended family, friends, and community members.

Communal Seders

In recent years, communal Seders have become popular in the UK. Synagogues and Jewish community centres (like JW3 in London) often host large-scale Seders for students, young professionals, or the elderly who might otherwise be alone. These events ensure that the "all who are hungry, come and eat" invitation from the Haggadah is put into practice.

The "Eruv Tavshilin" in 2026

A unique technical aspect for the year 2026 is that the first day of Passover (Thursday) is followed by the second day (Friday), which then leads directly into the Sabbath (Saturday). In Jewish law, cooking is generally permitted on a festival for that day only, but not for the following day or the Sabbath. To allow families to cook on Friday for the Sabbath, they must perform a ritual called Eruv Tavshilin on Wednesday, April 1. This is a practical consideration that many UK households will be planning for in 2026.

Practical Information for Visitors and Non-Observant

If you are in the United Kingdom during the first day of Passover, there are several things to keep in mind, whether you are a visitor or a non-Jewish neighbour.

Respectful Interaction

If you are invited to a Seder, it is considered a great honour. You should expect the evening to be long—often lasting until midnight or later—as it involves a lot of reading and discussion before the main meal is served. It is polite to bring a gift that is "Kosher for Passover," such as a bottle of kosher wine or a box of kosher chocolates. Avoid bringing any baked goods or flowers in a vase that might contain "chametz" water.

Shopping and Dining

In areas with high Jewish populations, such as Stamford Hill, Edgware, or parts of Bury, you may find that Jewish-owned bakeries and restaurants are closed on the first day of Passover. Conversely, mainstream supermarkets in these areas will have dedicated aisles for Passover products. If you are looking for a meal in these areas, be aware that many establishments will have changed their menus entirely to comply with Passover dietary laws, or they may be closed for the duration of the holiday.

Dress Code

If you are attending a synagogue service on the first day, the dress code is generally formal. Men typically wear a suit and a head covering (kippah), while women usually wear modest dresses or skirts.

Is it a Public Holiday in the UK?

It is important to clarify that the first day of Passover is not a public holiday (bank holiday) in the United Kingdom.

Business and Education

Offices and Shops: Most businesses, government offices, and shops across the UK operate with normal opening hours. Schools: State schools remain open, although Jewish faith schools will be closed for the duration of the holiday. Jewish students attending non-faith schools are generally granted leave for religious observance on the first and second days of Passover. Transport: Public transport (National Rail, London Underground, buses) operates on its usual weekday or weekend schedule, depending on the day of the week.

Jewish Businesses

While the country at large remains open, businesses owned by observant Jews or located within strictly Orthodox areas will almost certainly be closed on the first day of Passover. This includes shops, solicitors' offices, and community centres. In London, particularly in the boroughs of Barnet and Hackney, you will notice a significant decrease in activity in certain commercial streets as the community retreats to celebrate.

Summary of Status

For the majority of the UK population, April 2, 2026, 2026 will be a standard working day. However, for the approximately 300,000 Jews living in Britain, it is one of the most sacred and busy days of the year. While it lacks the "day off" status of Christmas or Easter, its impact on the cultural and religious fabric of the UK is profound, reflecting the nation's commitment to religious freedom and the preservation of diverse traditions.

As the sun sets on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and the first day of Passover begins, the air in Jewish households across the UK will be filled with the scent of traditional cooking and the sound of ancient melodies, marking yet another year of celebrating the journey from slavery to freedom.